Why Harvey, LA Homeowners Should Review Their Flood Insurance Before a Hurricane Hits

A pipe bursting inside your home is covered by most homeowners insurance policies. A river overflowing its banks and sending water through your front door is not. That distinction catches many homeowners off guard, often at the worst possible moment. If you have not reviewed your flood insurance lately, now is the time to do it.

What Standard Home Policies Leave Out

Homeowners insurance may cover a wide range of perils, but flooding caused by external water sources falls outside those boundaries. This includes storm surge, heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems and overland flooding from nearby bodies of water. Many homeowners assume they are covered until a claim is denied.

Situations Where Gaps Show Up

Flood damage can reveal coverage gaps in various ways:

• A heavy rainstorm sends water rushing into your home, damaging flooring, appliances and stored belongings.
• A nearby creek rises and pushes water under doors and through foundation walls.
• Storm surge from a coastal weather event floods the ground floor of a home located miles from the shoreline.
• A neighborhood drainage system backs up during prolonged rainfall, and water enters through window wells.

Timing Matters More Than Many People May Realize

Flood insurance policies typically carry a waiting period before coverage takes effect. Through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the waiting period is 30 days for most new policies. Private flood insurance policies often have shorter waiting periods, typically 10 to 14 days, though terms vary by insurer. Purchasing a policy after a storm is forecast, or after heavy rains have already begun, means you may not have coverage when you need it. Reviewing your policy in advance can give you time to make informed decisions.

Making Sure Your Coverage Fits Your Home

Flood coverage varies by policy. The right limits depend on your home’s replacement cost, the value of your contents and your property’s flood risk. Your agent can walk you through your options and help you find a suitable policy.

Contact Liberty Pro Insurance today to discuss your flood insurance needs for the hurricane arrives. Our team serves homeowners in Harvey, LA and is ready to help you close any coverage gaps.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.